A scheme has been launched to cut the number of child cyclists being killed on Britain’s roads.
National charity, The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust has joined forces with WD-40 Multi-Use Product and Lazer helmet manufacturers to encourage youngsters to wear helmets by inviting them to draw a design which will be used on a new bike helmet.
The winning design will be manufactured and given to disadvantaged youngsters across the UK, but schools are being urged to sign up now as the competition is only open until the end of September.
The project was launched after shocking figures revealed a child cyclist is three times more likely to be killed in an accident on Britain’s roads than an adult cyclist, according to research by the charity.*
It is hoped the joint initiative will help in the effort to reduce the number of youngsters killed in cycling accidents, by teaching them the importance of bicycle safety.
The project is designed to encourage youngsters to wear helmets and teach them that keeping bicycles roadworthy and well maintained is vitally important to keep safe.
With a child cyclist three times more likely to be killed in an accident on Britain’s roads than an adult cyclist, the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust believes this campaign can help increase the number of youngsters wearing a helmet while out cycling.
Angela Lee, chief executive and founder of The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, said:
“We know that image and peer pressure is one of the big factors that deters a lot of young cyclists from wearing a helmet and believe this project will provide an insight in to what young people themselves find appealing.”
Amy Long, from WD-40 Company, said: “Wearing a helmet and maintaining your bike are absolutely essential to ensure you are as safe as possible when out cycling.
“We’re focused on helping the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust encourage more youngsters to wear a helmet when riding a bike and hope this competition help raise awareness and save lives across the UK.”
The charity is urging creative children to draw a design which will be used on a new bike helmet, manufactured by Lazer, and distributed to disadvantaged youngsters who are unable to get access to their own helmet.
The winning designer will also have the award-winning Animal WD-40 Sports Action Tour perform at their school – a fantastic stunt show that has to be seen to be believed.
The competition is open to all primary schools across the UK, to register your interest visit www.wd40.co.uk/helmet
*Figures from the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust